Relief vs. full reconstruction
Heightmaps push a surface up or down from one plane. They suit plaques, terrain-like surfaces, and embossed art, but cannot infer unseen backs and sides.
3D Generators
Turn images into STL and GLB heightmaps, inspect simple 3D models, and create depth-map style PNGs.
Quick decision guide
Pick between depth, geometry, and model inspection
A depth map, a relief mesh, and a complete 3D object are different outputs. These browser tools are best for height-based geometry and lightweight model inspection; a single flat photo does not contain every hidden side of a real object.
| What you need | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Create a mesh for 3D printing or CAD handoff | Image to STL | STL carries surface geometry but not photo color or rich material appearance. |
| Create a compact web-viewable 3D scene | Image to GLB | GLB can package geometry and scene data for compatible 3D workflows. |
| Open and inspect an existing model | 3D Model Viewer | Use the viewer to orbit, pan, zoom, frame, and inspect supported model files before handoff. |
| Turn light and dark areas into depth information | Image to Depth Map | A grayscale depth-style image is useful as an intermediate map, not a finished multi-angle model. |
All 4 3D Generators tools
Select a tool to open it. All listed tools are live.
How the key settings affect the result
These terms describe different parts of the job. Knowing which one the destination checks prevents unnecessary quality loss.
STL vs. GLB
STL focuses on mesh geometry and is common in fabrication workflows. GLB can carry a scene in one binary container and is convenient for web viewing and exchange.
Depth values
In a depth or height map, brightness is mapped to relative distance or elevation. Invert the map when raised and recessed areas appear backward.
Mesh density
More samples can produce smoother contours but also more triangles, a larger file, and slower browser interaction. Match density to the source detail that actually exists.
Model units
A generated mesh may have relative dimensions rather than real-world millimetres. Set or verify physical scale in the downstream 3D or slicing application.
Materials and textures
A model can load while still looking different if textures, external resources, normals, or materials are missing or unsupported.
What you can do in the browser
Generation and viewing use local browser capabilities such as Canvas and WebGL. Files stay on the device during the imgrove workflow, but complex meshes and high-resolution textures can exceed GPU or memory limits on lower-powered devices.
- Generate a relief-style STL or GLB from image brightness or depth information.
- Create and download a depth-style PNG for another graphics or 3D step.
- Inspect supported models with camera controls, framing, lighting, and model information.
- Check orientation and appearance before opening the file in a full 3D editor or slicer.
Common failure cases
Check these before downloading or submitting the result.
Expecting a complete object from one photo
A single image cannot reveal hidden geometry. The generated result is a depth-based surface, not photogrammetry.
Using a noisy image as a heightmap
Texture and background noise become unwanted bumps. Simplify contrast and isolate the intended shape first.
Generating too many triangles
Very dense meshes can be slow without adding meaningful detail. Start moderate and increase only when contours visibly benefit.
Skipping scale and watertight checks
A file that previews correctly may still need physical units, repair, thickness, or manifold checks before fabrication.
Missing model resources
Formats with external textures or uncommon extensions may load incompletely. Prefer a self-contained supported file when sharing.
Complete workflows
Use the tools as a sequence when the destination has more than one requirement.
Photo to printable relief
- Crop to the subject and remove distracting background texture.
- Create a depth map or STL and tune elevation conservatively.
- Open the mesh in the viewer, then verify scale and printability in a slicer.
Model handoff check
- Open the supplied GLB, GLTF, OBJ, STL, PLY, or supported model file.
- Frame the model and inspect it from several angles.
- Confirm file information, orientation, and whether expected materials appear before sharing.
Web 3D experiment
- Generate a modest-density GLB from a suitable image.
- Inspect performance and appearance in the model viewer.
- Optimize or edit the model in a dedicated 3D application if the target experience needs animation, precise topology, or authored materials.